Peyronie's disease (penile induration) was first reported in 1742 and commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly men.

bubble_chart Pathological Changes

Although the current understanding of Peyronie's disease remains unclear, its pathological changes are consistent with severe vasculitis, resembling the pathological alterations seen in Dupuytren's palmar tendon contracture.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Clinical symptoms and signs: During erection, the penis is curved and painful, with weak erection distal to the penile induration, and severe deformity affecting intercourse. There is no pain when the penis is flaccid.

Examination reveals fibrous nodules or cord-like indurations of varying sizes localized to the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa, without tenderness. The indurations often occur distally on the penile shaft. In some patients, multiple nodules can be palpated, and severe cases may show calcification or ossification on X-ray imaging.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Currently, there is no satisfactory treatment for this condition, but 50% of patients experience spontaneous remission. Oral administration of para-aminobenzoic acid and vitamin E for several months may be given, though the effectiveness of drug therapy is limited. In recent years, surgical excision of the hardened nodules followed by skin grafting has been performed for some refractory cases. Das (1980) reported successful transplantation of the tunica vaginalis after excision of the hardened nodules. Bruskewitz and Raz (1980) reported the implantation of a penile prosthesis into the corpora cavernosa after excision of the hardened nodules. Other treatments include radiotherapy, local injection of steroid drugs, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and parathyroid hormone, though there is limited reported data on the efficacy of these treatments.